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Britain's most successful Olympian Sir Chris Hoy told ITV News the Commonwealth Games holds "some of the most memorable moments" in his career as the Glasgow 2014 baton started its trip around the world.

The retired cyclist said he wanted to compete in the 2014 Games in front of his home crowd but "eventually the body gives up".

He added: "For me, some of the most memorable moments in my career came at a Commonwealth Games, my first ever individual gold medal came in 2002 in Manchester and I also won a gold medal in Melbourne in 2006 and these were real highlights of my career."

The Queen has placed her private message to athletes inside the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games baton, which is now set for a 120,000 miles trip around the world.

The Queen inserts her message into the Commonwealth Games baton. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

Standing in the shadow of Buckingham Palace and with the Duke of Edinburgh by her side the Queen sent her baton on its 248-day journey around 70 nations and territories.

Flags of all the Commonwealth countries are carried from the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

It will travel through Asia, Oceania, Africa, North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe - leaving for India tomorrow - before arriving back in Scotland in June next year.

Alan Wells waves as he carries the Commonwealth Games baton. Credit: John Stillwell/PA Wire

The monarch placed the unique hand-crafted baton made of titanium, wood and granite into the hands of sprint legend Allan Wells, winner of four Commonwealth Golds and the 100 metre Olympic sprint title at the 1980 Moscow Games.

Britain's most successful Olympian was given the honour of processing the symbol of Glasgow 2014 down The Mall before the Queen launches the baton on its epic trip.

Britain's most successful Olympian was given the honour of processing the symbol of Glasgow 2014 to Buckingham Palace. Credit: PA Wire

The cyclist, who has retired from competitive racing after winning a clutch of Olympic, World and Commonwealth titles, was joined by the Pipes and Drums 1st Battalion Scots Guards and the Pipes and Drums 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (Royal Scots Borderers).

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The Queen has written a message to athletes of the Commonwealth to mark the start of a baton relay around all its nations and territories before the Glasgow 2014 Games.

The note will be placed inside a specially made baton at Buckingham Palace today before it starts a 248-day journey around 70 nations and territories.

The Queen at her desk in Balmoral signing the note which will be placed inside the torch. Credit: PA

Her majesty wrote the note during her summer stay at Balmoral - but the contents will remain a secret until the Queen reads it aloud at the opening ceremony of the Games at Celtic Park on July 23 next year.